Chương 11: An Invitation to Adventure!

Ch. 11 - An Invitation to Adventure!

Adventurers are a unique answer to the issues facing this world. The vast majority of organised power falls under the aegis of city states. They control the surrounding countryside, collecting food from outlying settlements and villages. Depending on the size, they might have just a garrison or an entire army. Either way, they aren't set up to send out expeditions to slay monsters. This is where Adventurers come in.

They are hired to deal with roving bands of monsters, hunt problematic beasts, and perform all the mucky jobs that the City Watch doesn't want to deal with. But that is not what an Adventurer dreams of, that is not why they choose such a rough and uncertain way of life. They dream of conquering a dungeon, of making their fortune. Of finding their fame. It is this dream that drives them on, past the corpses of all those that fell chasing the same dream.

- from the writings of Steadholder Eckhart Wyatt felt light headed. He was standing on a path that was running through picturesque grassy hills, the wind blowing gently through his hair, and he could feel the warmth from the sun overhead. It was so different from everything that he had endured in the forest. Coupled to that, standing with him, talking to him, were three people. Actual people. And Wyatt was almost certain they weren't from Earth. The swordsman clapped Wyatt on both shoulders as if to buck him up.

He had a deeper voice than expected, but the more he spoke, the more Wyatt thought that he was deepening his voice on purpose. Trying to sound older than he was.

"There, you're alright? You okay?" Wyatt didn't answer right away. He stared at the young man so intently that it made the swordsman look uncomfortable. Wyatt couldn't help it though — the three strangers looked like any person he'd see back home, but their garb was so alien to what he was used to. The swordsman was young, young enough that his face still held some of the softness from childhood. He had light-coloured hair, brown eyes, and looked fitter than average.

He was wearing some kind of leather vest, almost a cuirass, and had a round shield slung across his back made of wood and stretched hide. There were some additional pieces of armour that he had strapped to his forearms, thighs, and calves. Behind the swordsman the sole woman of the group, although she appeared years younger than Wyatt, was looking curiously at him. She didn't have any armour on, but what she was wearing wasn't any less strange.

She had on what looked like a long and flowing green tunic that reached down to her mid-thigh, under which was a pair of soft leggings coupled with thick leather boots. She was carrying the staff that Wyatt had noticed earlier, a long and polished piece of wood, with a glass bauble on the end. The third member looked a few years older than the other two, so perhaps around Wyatt's own age of twenty. He was wearing a tunic as well, but his was of a rougher quality than the girl's.

He had a quiver of arrows at his hip, and he was currently in the middle of unstringing his bow. Wyatt knew enough about the upkeep of bows that keeping them strung all the time was a good way to lose tension in the string. All three didn't appear to be carrying anything apart from their weapons, no packs or bags. In fact, the only thing they had were belt pouches, perhaps large enough for a few small items. When Wyatt failed to answer the swordsman straight away, the girl peered out from around him.

She looked concerned, but wary enough that she didn't come within Wyatt's reach. Her voice was soft and melodic, with a captivating lilt.

"Maybe he really did hit his head. Can you understand us at all? Just nod if you can." Wyatt cleared his throat, and risked a smile. Whatever else was going on, this was technically first contact! He didn't think he was in danger, although he did glance down at Kit to be sure. The silver fox was looking very relaxed as she sat by Wyatt's feet. Reassured, he addressed the group. He did have a pressing question though.

"Yeah, I can understand you. But it's just that — you can speak English?" The trio exchanged glances. The swordsman spoke slowly, his brow furrowing in confusion.

"What's 'english'? Marie, do you know?" The girl shook her head.

"Is it a spell? I don't recognise it." Wyatt held up both hands, smiling and shaking his head. He was really curious why they were speaking the same language. Was he wrong about who they were? But if they weren't, Wyatt didn't really want to try and explain that he was from another world. He figured that might go down the wrong way. There had been protocols set down when they had first crossed over to this world. They had even held meetings about it, what to do and say if they found local inhabitants.

Wyatt hadn't paid much attention though since it had all been geared towards subterfuge and information gathering. The leaders of the settlement had been talking about the theoretical locals like they were already considered to be hostile, something Wyatt hadn't agreed with on principle. So, instead, he decided to play things close to the chest. At least until he got a better sense of the local situation.

"Ah, never mind about that! Look, thanks for warning me about before. I didn't know it was dangerous." The archer had finished seeing to his bow. He frowned at Wyatt, speaking in a measured slow pace.

"How could you not know? There are warnings about each floor before you enter. And there are markers as well — look." Sure enough, there were posts set up around the depression in a wide circle, the tops painted a bright and vibrant red. If you were heading towards it from the outside there would be no way to miss them. Wyatt shrugged sheepishly, unsure of how much he should say, how much he should give away.

"I guess I didn't see them?" The archer raised an eyebrow.

"… right." The swordsman put his hands on his hips, smiling widely.

"It's okay, don't give him too hard a time, Losmer. We all make mistakes, and there's no harm done. But I think we should introduce ourselves." The girl flushed a little, nodding.

"Yes, we are being rude." The archer shook his head, sounding a bit sardonic.

"We really aren't. Anyway, I'm Losmer as you just heard. [Archer]." Losmer didn't offer Wyatt his hand, but he did nod at him with good grace. Next was the girl; she leant on her staff, waving shyly.

"And I'm Marie. [Mage] of the group." The swordsman then held out his hand to Wyatt, exchanging a strong and easy grip. Wyatt shook his hand while trying not to gape at Marie. She was a mage? Like, literal magic and casting spells?

"And I'm Raek! Leader of the group for my sins!" Wyatt couldn't help but smile at hearing that from the effusive young man. He shelved his endless questions about Marie's class for the moment.

"Your sins? What did you do?" Raek flushed slightly, but he maintained his grin.

"Ah, just something I heard once that I liked the sound of. We're Adventurers — Howler's Bane! Make sure you remember it!" Losmer groaned quietly, and Marie hid her face with her hands. She shook her head in exasperated fondness at their leader.

"Raek …" Raek grinned, unrepentant. Wyatt couldn't help but like the three of them; they seemed like they got on well together. Still, something they said piqued his interest.

"Adventurers?" Raek folded his arms and puffed his chest out.

"That's right!" Marie sounded apologetic as she cut in over Raek.

"Bronze Rank. We only just formed."

"Hey, we all have to start from somewhere!" Wyatt nodded, trying to look like none of this was new to him.

"Well I'm Wyatt. Uh, [Survivalist]." Marie smiled broadly.

"Nice to meet you, Wyatt!" Beside her, Losmer was frowning in thought.

"[Survivalist] … that's an odd class."

"It is?" The [Archer] nodded.

"I haven't heard that one before." Marie jabbed Losmer lightly in the ribs. She put a hand on her waist and cocked her hip.

"Don't insult his class, Losmer."

"I didn't."

"Sure. Anyway, Wyatt, have you eaten? We haven't broken our fast yet, and we may as well." Wyatt's stomach growled, answering for him. At his feet, Kit yipped excitedly, making Marie laugh.

"I think this cutie just decided for you! Come on you two. Losmer, can you find us somewhere to stop?" Wyatt was considering offering the use of his skill [A Safe Place to Rest], but the [Archer] just shrugged, unconcerned.

"Here on the path is good enough. We are in the open so we can see anything coming. But let's not sit down right next to the death zone." Wyatt found himself walking along a well-maintained dirt track, trailing along behind the chattering Adventurers. This was all happening a bit too fast, but the three of them had just chivvied Wyatt along without giving him a chance to protest. They seemed very trusting to him — a little too trusting. At a slight lull in their conversation, Wyatt broke in.

"You said it was a death zone — back where we were. What does that mean exactly?" Raek glanced over his shoulder at Wyatt.

"What, like what does it do? Kill people, I guess." Marie sighed.

"Raek, we all went through the information together. Don't tell me you forgot." Raek nonchalantly put his hands behind his head as he walked.

"I got the important part — Danger. Death. And I knew you would remember the details anyway." Marie muttered some choice words under her breath before turning to Wyatt.

"There's not much known. Everyone who has gone in has vanished. They tried tracking it with spells — both on objects and on some crazy Iron Ranks — but everyone and everything just disappears." To Wyatt it sounded like what had happened to him, but in reverse.

"How do you know that people die if they just vanish? Maybe they got teleported somewhere?" Marie laughed lightly.

"Teleport? If there was a teleport spell here — something from the age of legends — there would be [Grand Mages] here studying it! Maybe even an [Archmage]." Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. Wyatt laughed along with Marie, nodding. So teleportation isn't normal, even for this world? Then what the hell is going on with that forest? Raek held up a hand, stopping them all. He turned to Losmer.

"This far enough?" At the [Archer's] nod, the three young adventurers unceremoniously flopped down on the grass besides the road. Wyatt had been wondering what they were going to eat since they didn't appear to be carrying any food. Before he could offer his own meagre supplies, he watched them do something that made his eyes widen in shock.

"Ah … I'm glad we splurged on some decent food this time!" Raek had opened the pouch attached to his belt and, as his hand neared the entrance, the opening of the pouch seemed to twist, expanding. A wrapped sandwich appeared, far larger than what should have fit in the small bag, popping into existence right at his hand. Raek handed the sandwich to Wyatt who took it from him numbly. The casualness of it all prevented him from asking, but it was the most impossible and overt use of magic that he'd seen yet.

The [Swordsman] then pulled out another three sandwiches in quick succession, distributing them to his team.

"You spent too much on these. That [Innkeeper] ripped us off. Just because we only had hard tack and water. The first time we came here exploring." Losmer grouched at Raek, but it was in short sentences, in between him taking huge bites of his sandwich. Clearly he didn't mind too much. Wyatt looked down at what he was holding, unwrapping it. It smelt amazing, filled with thick marinated cuts of meat, some kind of peppers, and a sharp smelling cheese. It made his mouth water just by looking at it.

Marie laughed at Wyatt.

"Been a while since you've had something that good?" Wyatt resisted stuffing his face with the decadent sandwich with some effort. The stag's meat had been delicious, but it had been simply cooked. He hadn't had a decently prepared meal for so long that he almost felt like crying.

"You could say that." Raek wiped some of the juices from his face, shaking his head with a smile.

"Losmer is right, it was too expensive, but the [Innkeeper] who sold it has a [Cook] with [Expert Cooking]. Everything she makes always comes out perfect. You better hurry up and eat it though — your little friend might try and take it from you otherwise." Looking down, Wyatt saw that Raek was right. Kit was practically salivating as she stared at the sandwich in his hand. She stamped her paw on the ground demandingly.

Losmer raised an eyebrow when he saw Wyatt pulling some of the cuts of meat out to give to the little fox.

"Bit too wilful, isn't it?" Marie scoffed. She had pulled some meat out of her own sandwich and was holding it out to Kit as well.

"Shut up, she's gorgeous! It is a she, isn't it?" Wyatt hid a smile as he saw Kit practically preen at the praise.

"Yeah, that's right."

"How did you tame her? Did you catch her when she was young?" Wyatt's smile faltered a little. He spoke slowly, biding time by taking a huge bite of his sandwich. It really was delicious.

"Uh, no. She kind of adopted me recently." Marie didn't seem to notice anything amiss.

"Your class must have some overlap skills with [Beast Tamer] to control her. She's so well behaved!" Wyatt nodded, busying himself with taking another bite.

"Well you know, you don't always have to have the specific class …" Wyatt hoped the girl dropped it. He just didn't know how much information he should give these three, for all that they seemed innocently helpful. Wyatt might be wrong, but he was fairly sure Kit was special, and he didn't want to give that away just yet. He also didn't want them to know that he wasn't controlling the fox in any way. Marie handed Kit another slice of meat, giggling again when the fox took it right from her hand.

"That's true. I know an animal breeder who would pay gold for a beast like her. I'm sure I've seen him selling foxes, but they were just the common red variety." Kit froze at hearing that, looking affronted. Wyatt just knew she was about to make her feelings known on the matter, so he spoke hurriedly.

"Maybe, but I'd never think of giving her away. She saved my life yesterday." Kit looked up at Wyatt, her blue eyes finding his. She looked pleased, and perhaps a little embarrassed. That look changed though when Marie reached out and scratched her under the chin. Kit froze in surprise at the familiarity of the gesture.

"Did you now? What a good girl! I hope your master spoils you rotten!" Kit looked conflicted; she was enjoying the praise but not being treated like a pet. In order to get the focus off of the fox, Wyatt hurriedly changed the subject.

"This is so much better than what I was going to eat. I'd offer some of my rations, but it's just roots and mushrooms." Losmer looked up in interest at hearing that.

"You've been gathering from the dungeon?"

"Wherever I found myself. I didn't have much in the way of supplies." The [Archer] nodded.

"And it must be a pain to lug everything around in a pack like that. Did you lose your bag of holding?" Wyatt hesitated, not sure exactly of what to say. He knew nothing about what kind of society they lived in, or how prevalent items like that were. Wyatt would have assumed that something like a magic bag would be a rare commodity, but all three members of this self-admitted low ranked group had one.

"No. I … couldn't afford one?" Losmer looked mildly surprised, but Raek just winced in sympathy. He clapped Wyatt jovially on the shoulder.

"Don't worry — we all go through rough patches. Is that what you're doing? Trying to make some money in the dungeon?"

"You got me." The three young Adventurers seemed to accept that at face value, however Marie gently took him to task.

"I wouldn't say it's a bad idea exactly, but you really should be better prepared than what you are." Losmer smirked a little, but it didn't feel like there was any malice to it.

"It makes me feel better about our gear though. I shouldn't have complained so much about our own preparations." Seeing the way the conversation was going, and how relaxed they were, Wyatt decided to take a risk in order to find out more about the world. He steered the conversation towards classes.

"You might be right. My class is more geared towards surviving in the wilds. It's mostly about avoiding trouble, not fighting it." Raek licked his fingers clean; he'd put away the sandwich far faster than anyone else.

"That sounds rough. You don't have another class?"

"Well, actually I have [Forager] as well, but only a few levels." Raek absently smiled. He opened his bag of holding, and tried to take out more food before Marie stopped him. Raek gave her a hurt look, before turning back to Wyatt.

"At least those two classes sound like they would synergise well. I have a handful of levels in [Labourer] — I had to work so I could afford to buy my gear. I'm probably going to be stuck with it too." Marie piped up. She hadn't finished her meal yet, having been eating at a more sedate speed. She'd also been sneaking Kit some choice morsels every chance she got.

"At least it gave you [Lesser Strength], that's good for a fighter. I was a [Seamstress]. [Unbreakable Thread] isn't that useful when you're casting spells. Losmer is the lucky one." Wyatt glanced at the taciturn [Archer].

"You are?" He shook his head looking grumpy.

"I'm not really — okay, fine. My other class is [Hunter], it's how I earn a living. But a lot of the skills aren't that useful when you are trying to shoot as quickly as you can. Although I do admit that they are likely to merge eventually." Wyatt blinked, leaning forwards in interest.

"They can m— I mean, you think that they will?" Losmer shrugged.

"Sure. When one or both of them hit level twenty they should become just one class." Wyatt was surprised at hearing that. He'd have thought that they would be a higher level than that already. Wyatt had been levelling for less than two weeks and was already level eight in his main class.

"You must be close to that though, right?" Wyatt hazarded, but was unprepared for the mirth that greeted him. Losmer laughed loudly, actually giving Wyatt a small smile.

"What, you think I'm some kind of prodigy? If I was almost at level twenty, I'd be Iron Rank, not Bronze! I suppose I should thank you for the compliment though." Marie smiled broadly, striking a pose.

"Maybe our new friend is just perceptive. I'm sure I will be a great and powerful [Mage]. He's just seeing our potential." Raek grinned.

"Yes, all hail the almighty [Hedge Mage]!"

"Aw, you're mean." Wyatt held up a hand.

"Sorry, [Hedge Mage]?" Marie was still pouting slightly at Raek, but she answered easily enough.

"It's my full class. I just say [Mage] to make it easier. It means that I'm self-taught, you know? I couldn't afford a teacher or an expensive Spell Tome." Raek was quick to apologise to his teammate.

"You know I didn't mean anything by it, Marie. Not everyone can just teach themselves magic after all. And you have two bound spells before level ten." Marie flushed, muttering, but looking pleased.

"It was just luck. I was trying to learn a trap spell, and got [Strangling Vine] on my next level up."

"Dont sell yourself short, Marie! Wyatt, do you have any good skills? What do you get with something like [Survivalist]?" Wyatt was fascinated by all he was learning, and caught off guard by the genial nature of their conversation. He and the rest of his squad had spent a great deal of time as they camped, talking about classes and skills. Wondering what it meant and how far they could take it. David had even thought that they were special, that maybe they were the only ones who had the power.

Why else would they only start to level once they had entered the forest? But the way these Adventurers talked, like being able to level was a common aspect of every day life, refuted that.

"Most of my skills are about staying safe. [Danger Sense] has kept me out of a few tight spots though." Raek brightened up.

"Oh, you have [Danger Sense]? That's a good skill."

"None of you have it?" The group of Adventures all shook their heads. Raek shrugged.

"No, we haven't run into anything that would give it to us yet." Wyatt frowned. That sounded a bit cryptic, and he wondered what Raek meant. Before he could ask a follow up question. Raek just came out with what he'd clearly been mulling over. He looked at Wyatt seriously.

"Look, would you like to party with us for a bit?" Wyatt glanced around at the others, surprised. Marie and Losmer didn't seem to have an issue with it.

"What, really? We only just met."

"Sure. Losmer would have said something if there was something dangerous about you. He has [Sense Intent]. It's mainly used when tracking, but he says it works well enough for reading people. And it wouldn't sit right with me if we just left you alone in the dungeon." Wyatt felt touched at just how easy it was for them to make a sincere offer like that. He shot a glance at Kit, but the fox was regarding him evenly, unconcerned.

Since Wyatt really had no idea of what he should be doing, tagging along with helpful people seemed like a no brainer.

"I'd be stupid to say no to that. As long as you don't think I'll hold you back. You have a lot more gear than I do." Raek smiled broadly.

"No fear, you look like a competent man! And gear is easily remedied — is that supposed to be a spear or do you just use a staff?" Wyatt flushed a little as the three of them regarded the rough and somewhat battered stave he was carrying. Compared to the weaponry that they had, he must look provincial.

"It's a spear — I mean, I was using it at a pinch. I had my knife fixed to it, but …" Wyatt gestured at his sheathed knife at his side. The others peered at it, Losmer muttering that it was an interesting design, but they didn't seem to think it was too out of the ordinary. Raek opened up his bag of holding, and rummaged around within it. Then, to Wyatt's shock, he proceeded to pull out an entire spear. Seeing him pull parcels of food out of it had been one thing, this was something else entirely.

Raek kept pulling it out of the bag, the long shaft of polished and darkened wood appearing like a magic trick. The head of the spear was a simple design, the metal fixing in an exaggerated diamond shape. It was leagues beyond what Wyatt had been working with. Raek held out the weapon to Wyatt with a grin.

"Here you go! It's just a loaner I'm afraid, but it'll serve you well." Wyatt hefted the weapon, getting a feel for it. It seemed incredibly well balanced to him, almost as good as the practice spears that his Grandmother used to drill him with — although those had been lightweight in comparison. At their urging, Wyatt performed some simple thrusts with the weapon, garnering some murmurs of appreciation. Losmer nodded in satisfaction.

"You know your way around a spear. Have you been —" Raek clapped his hands together, the sound startling the others.

"Later, Los', later. We were supposed to check out the ruin near the lake, remember? We don't want to be heading back in the dark if we can help it." In short order, Wyatt found himself walking next to Marie, with Raek taking the lead, and Losmer in the rear. It took very little time to pack up when you had bags of holding. Kit had jumped up onto Wyatt's pack again, much to Marie's delight. Travelling in a group like this was similar and yet very different from what he was used to.

These Adventurers were very lighthearted, almost carefree. They talked constantly, calling out freely if they spotted something of interest. And there was a lot to see. The dungeon stretched way off into the distance, a rich and bountiful land that Wyatt had difficulty believing wasn't actually the outside world. Marie bumped shoulders with Wyatt, her hands behind her back as she smiled up at him. There was a teasing lilt in her voice.

"This really is your first time here, isn't it?"

"What?"

"You're gawking! I mean, I thought we were green, but you make us seem like old hands." Wyatt gave Marie a crooked smile.

"I didn't realise it was so obvious."

"It's nothing to be ashamed of. Lots of first timers come to the dungeon, looking to make their break. We've only entered a few times ourselves. Reconnaissance, Losmer likes to call it. But this is the first time we've been this deep." Wyatt debated internally for a few seconds. There was so much he wanted to ask, to find out, but he didn't want to give himself away by being ignorant in something that should be common knowledge.

"It's hard to believe all of this is just the first floor." Marie nodded in agreement.

"I know, right!"

"Do you know how big it is? Roughly, I mean." Marie laughed easily. She poked Raek in the back with the end up her staff, making him jump.

"Raek, Wyatt here is as bad as you are! He didn't pay attention either. Wyatt, to answer your question, it truly is hard to say. The further in you go, the easier it is to get turned around." Wyatt's stomach dropped a little at hearing that. It sounded too close to what the forest had been like.

"You mean, you can get lost?" Marie shook her head.

"Not lost. You just end up heading in the direction you came in. It's not quite an enchantment. I heard a theory that it might be some kind of spacial magic, but no one knows for sure."

"It still sounds risky. Like that death zone?" Losmer joined their conversation, speaking up from behind them.

"That's an outlier, noteworthy because it is dangerous still. Most of this floor has been conquered already. Years ago. It's not perfectly safe, but it's not anything we can't handle." Wyatt was engrossed by the details.

"And redoubt? As in [Anwyn's Redoubt]? This doesn't exactly look like a fortress. Or is that the other floors?" Marie shrugged, sighing.

"Ten copper would have you bought you the information packet about all of this. Fortress or cache; no one really knows. The dungeon was only recently discovered after all, a few hundred years back. No one has made it more than Floor Five yet." Wyatt absorbed that information. Hundreds of years is 'recently'? He tried not to let it show on his face.

"And Anwyn …?" Marie nodded, growing more animated as she got into the topic.

"Yes, that's one of the most interesting parts! A dungeon, named after the world? It must be important! Apparently scholars from all over started frothing at the ramifications. I mean, the fortress of the world! Sounds crazy, right?"

"Y-yeah." Wyatt managed to get out. It was almost a shame that he had no way of letting anyone back at the settlement know what he had discovered. That he, of all people, was the one to learn so much, learn that the world they were on was called 'Anwyn'. He coughed into his hand.

"So if this floor has been conquered or cleared, what are you after here?" Raek looked over his shoulder at him.

"The same as you, no doubt! I wouldn't say no to finding treasure of course, but there are still monsters. Low level, but alchemists will pay a decent price for harvested parts. And there are the usual bounties of course." Losmer called out from the rear.

"And don't forget the experience."

"Right, that too! If we all get a few more levels under our belts, then we'll be able to venture to the next floor. So shout out if you see any monsters." Wyatt thought of the blue Slime with a pang; he hoped it was alright. The forest might have been a strange and isolated place, but at least there weren't Adventurers going around killing creatures for parts. Losmer jogged forward, taking hold of Raek's arm.

"Wait, there's something up ahead of us." Warning delivered, Losmer started to string his bow, the motion swift and assured. It was so quick that Wyatt automatically assumed that the [Archer] had a skill. Raek didn't seem concerned by the news, remaining relaxed as he crouched down. He didn't bother giving directions to his team, just leading the way as they crept forwards. Wyatt was impressed at how well the three of them worked together. They reached the apex of a nearby hill, carefully peeking over the top.

There, below them in the lee of the hill, was a small group of … people? There was only a small group of them, green-skinned humanoids that appeared to be four feet tall on average. They were crowded around a small fire — huddled, really — and holding what looked like rabbits spitted on sticks over the flames. They were talking to one another, their voices oddly pitched, sounding reminiscent of the rise and fall of a flute.

They were nearly all mostly naked, wearing rags and whatever else they could cobble together. A few of them were holding weapons, but they looked to be made out of stone, not metal. Marie made a small noice of disgust in the back of her throat. Her pleasant features and smile were replaced as her face screwed up, glaring down at the oblivious creatures below them.

"Goblins."